In a market that moves fast, where roles open and talent is needed within days, it’s easy to default to speed over substance. But fast doesn’t have to mean careless.
The most successful brands in fitness are those that hire with clarity and intention. They don’t move quickly, they move with purpose, never sacrificing alignment, values, or long-term culture fit.
At Fitness Lifestyle International, we’ve seen time and again that leading with empathy, purpose, and people-first thinking creates teams that don’t just perform, but stay. Teams that build communities, not just rosters. Teams that lift brands beyond transactions into real connection.
So how do you balance heart with hustle?
- Get clear on your brand’s purpose. Candidates move toward meaning.
- Lead with people, not positions. Culture is the differentiator.
- Streamline your process without stripping out the human. You can be fast and personal.
- Train your hiring leaders. Great hires start with great conversations.
This week, take a moment to audit your hiring approach. Is it moving at the right pace, and in the right direction?
Because in a people-first industry, hiring with heart is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Here’s what we’re seeing this week — and how it could help your business.
Talent Trends We’re Watching:
The leadership landscape in fitness, wellness, and hospitality is shifting — and fast. Here are 5 key trends we’re watching when it comes to hiring top-tier talent for leadership roles:
- People-First Leaders are in High Demand Empathy, emotional intelligence, and a coaching mindset are now non-negotiable. High-performing teams are built by leaders who can inspire, not just instruct.
- Commercial Acumen is a Superpower Operators who understand the bottom line — and know how to tie member experience directly to revenue — are leading the shortlist for GM, Area Manager and Head of Department roles.
- Cross-Industry Candidates Are On the Rise We’re seeing a surge in interest from leaders in adjacent industries (retail, tech, hospitality) who bring innovation, systems thinking, and fresh perspective to traditional fitness and wellness business models.
- Progression Pathways Are a Must-Have Top candidates are no longer sold on a job. They’re looking for a journey. Leadership pipelines, top culture, internal mobility, and L&D investment are what’s sealing the deal.
- Cultural Fit Matters More Than Ever Great leaders don’t just manage—they multiply. Businesses that prioritise cultural alignment in hiring are seeing faster onboarding, stronger retention, and better brand cohesion across teams.
What this means for hiring managers: If you're recruiting for senior roles, it’s not just about filling a seat — it’s about shaping your future. The leaders you hire today will define your member experience, team culture, and growth trajectory tomorrow.
📎 Need help adjusting your job ads or EVP to attract this talent? Just reply.
Why Employer Brand Still Wins the War for Talent
“You don’t need more candidates. You need the right ones.”
In a market where businesses are hiring fast and attention spans are short, your employer brand is your most powerful long-term hiring tool.
It’s not just what you say on a job ad, it’s what people feel when they interact with your business. It’s how clearly your culture shows up online, in interviews, and on the gym floor. In fitness, wellness, and hospitality, top talent chooses teams they can see themselves thriving in — and those signals start long before the first conversation.
At Fitness Lifestyle International, we don’t just match candidates to job titles. We match people to purpose. That means working with brands who know who they are, what they stand for, and what makes them worth joining.
Strong employer brands:
- Attract more qualified applicants with less advertising spend
- Improve candidate conversion at every touchpoint
- Increase retention by aligning values early
- Turn staff into advocates — and customers into future hires
Whether you’re a single-site studio or a multi-site operator, it pays to invest in the story you tell — and the experience you deliver.
The Backbone of Great Hiring: Systems, Software & Speed
Hiring is a human process — but the best teams use smart systems to drive it.
A robust ATS (Applicant Tracking System) or recruitment workflow can shave weeks off your time-to-hire, ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and give hiring managers the visibility they need to make confident, timely decisions.
And in industries where candidate pipelines shift weekly, that speed matters.
We work with businesses at all stages of growth — from spreadsheets and inboxes to full-scale recruitment CRMs. The goal isn’t more tech — it’s better use of it. Whether you're ready to implement an ATS or just need tighter workflows, the right tools should help you:
- Automate low-value tasks (scheduling, follow-ups, reminders)
- Track and nurture candidate pipelines
- Collaborate across teams in real time
- Report on what’s working — and what’s not
We're currently consulting with brands to implement systems like BambooHR, Teamtailor, or custom solutions built for the fitness and wellness sectors.
If you're scaling and you're still using Seek and spreadsheets, it might be time for a systems health check.
Founder’s Note
I started FLI because I wanted to change the recruitment experience, for both clients and candidates in the fitness, wellness and hospitality industries.
It should feel clear. Human. Professional. Like someone’s listening to what actually matters to you.
If you’ve ever thought:
“We’re hiring again, but I don’t want to make the same mistake…” Let’s talk.
Sometimes it’s not about adding more CVs to the pile, it's about filtering the noise and finding someone who just fits.
